These activities were developed by the Penn State University Center for Nanoscale Science in partnership with The Franklin Institute. Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation via the interdisciplinary Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) program under grant DMR-1420620.

The Center for Nanoscale Science

The Center for Nanoscale Science supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research efforts in the area of nanoscale materials. The Center’s research focuses broadly on synthesis and fabrication, thin films, nano- and micro-motors, three-dimensional nanoscale structures, and complex materials with novel optical and electronic functions. These research themes are integrated with major efforts in educational and industrial outreach. The activities of the Center involve approximately fifty students and postdoctoral fellows, faculty from seven academic departments at Penn State University, and a number of external academic and industrial partners.

The Franklin Institute

Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the country. As the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Institute provides resources that help learners of all ages and backgrounds to connect with science and technology in creative ways. Though its historic museum is a central learning space in Philadelphia, the Institute has evolved to provide people with educational resources in their own neighborhoods through hands-on activities in classrooms and community settings as well as through ways to interact online. Follow The Franklin Institute on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.